The History of Photography

Links to Various Online History of Photography Resources and Information

The History of Photography:  Free PDF Downloads and Links 

Taken literally, the Greek words photos and graphos together mean “light drawing”. Even today the term photography is being manipulated to fit digital imaging, but in its most elegant form, a photograph may best be described as a reasonably stable image made by the effect of light on a chemical substance. Light is energy in the form of the visible spectrum. If light or some other invisible wavelength of energy is not used to make the final picture by chemical means, it cannot, by this definition, be a photograph. (Source: History and Evolution of Photography)

The History of Photography
"The history of photography is a fascinating journey that spans centuries of innovation, technological advancements, and artistic evolution. Here's a brief overview of its significant milestones:

Early Developments:

• Camera Obscura: The concept of capturing images dates back to ancient times, but the camera obscura, a darkened room with a small hole or lens through which an inverted image is projected, was one of the earliest precursors to photography. It was used by artists as a drawing aid.

19th Century - Birth of Photography:

• Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (1826): He produced the first known photograph using a camera obscura and a light-sensitive material, a heliograph called "View from the Window at Le Gras."
• Louis Daguerre (1839): Daguerre refined the process, introducing the daguerreotype, an early photographic process that involved exposing silver-coated copper plates to iodine vapor and developing the images with mercury vapor.
• William Henry Fox Talbot (1839): Talbot developed the calotype process, using paper coated with silver iodide to produce a negative image from which multiple positive prints could be made, laying the groundwork for modern photography.

20th Century - Technological Advancements:

• Gelatin Silver Process: This became the dominant photographic process, providing higher quality and more easily reproducible images.
• Color Photography: Early color processes emerged, such as autochrome plates and later, Kodachrome and other color slide films.
• 35mm Roll Film and Leica Camera: Oskar Barnack's introduction of the 35mm film and the Leica camera revolutionized photography, making it more portable and accessible.
• Digital Photography: The late 20th century saw the emergence of digital photography, which has since transformed the entire industry, with digital cameras becoming widespread and ultimately replacing film in many contexts.

Contemporary Photography:

• Smartphone Photography: The integration of high-quality cameras in smartphones has significantly impacted how photographs are taken, shared, and consumed.
• Digital Manipulation and Editing: Software like Adobe Photoshop has changed the way photographs are edited and manipulated, offering unprecedented creative possibilities.
• Online Platforms and Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Flickr, and others have revolutionized the sharing and consumption of images, leading to a more widespread appreciation for photography.

Photography has evolved from a scientific curiosity to an accessible and widespread form of artistic expression and documentation. Its journey continues, influenced by technology, art, and the ever-changing cultural landscape." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

A History of Photography
From the beginnings until the 1920's
Author: Dr Robert Leggat
Download >>

Making Sense of Document Photography
Author: James Curtis
Download >>

History and Evolution of Photography
Authors: Mark Osterman / Grant B. Romer
George Eastman House International Museum
of Photography and Film
Download >>

Portrait Photography
From the Victorians to the present day
Author: National Portrait Gallery
Download >>

Photography
A new art or yet another scientific achievement
Author: Alex Sirota
Download >>

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History of The Camera / Photography Links

Brief History of Photography and Photojournalism
North Dakota State University
View >>

Canon Camera Story
History of Canon Cameras
View >>

History of the Camera
Wikipedia
View >>

History of Photography Timeline
Photo.net
View >>

History of Photography Part 1: The Beginning
Photography Tutsplus
View >>

History of Photography and the Camera
Inventors About
View >>

History of Photography Podcasts
Photo History Jeff Curto
View >>

History of Canon Cameras
History of Canon Cameras >>

Illuminating photography: From camera obscura to camera phone - Eva Timothy

Images Source: Pixabay (Open Source)

Canon EOS 70D: Birds In Flight Photography

Effective Autofocus System for Birds in Flight Photography

Kelp Gull with Golf Ball

Canon EOS 70D / Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens - Birds In Flight Cape Town

After some serious deliberation between the Canon EOS 70D and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II for my Birds In Flight (BIF) photography, I ordered and collected a new Canon EOS 70D body during May 2015.

The Canon EOS 70D is a very responsive and relatively fast continuous shooting Canon EOS APS-C DSLR body for serving my BIF shooting requirements. With the leftover budget I added a new Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens and Canon Professional Gadget Bag 1EG to my growing Canon EOS system. (At the time of purchase the Canon EOS 7D Mark II was almost double the price of the Canon EOS 70D in ZAR).

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Update: During October 2015 I started facilitating Birds in Flight Workshops in Cape Town and acquired a Canon EOS 7D Mark II body for studying and getting up to speed with the more advanced 65-point Autofocus system. I mainly pair the dual Digic 6 image processor / 10 fps Canon EOS 7D Mark II with the (same) Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. AI Servo / Frames per Second Test with Canon EOS 7D Mark II Birds in Flight gallery with Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Paired with the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens the Canon EOS 70D quickly delivered the expected results via application of the 19-point Autofocus system, Digic 5+ Image Processor and 7 fps / frame rate (compared against my Canon EOS 700D's 9-point Auto-Focus system, Digic 5 Image Processor and 5 fps / frame rate and same Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens).

Birds In Flight Test Shots
Manual Mode with deliberate fast shutter speeds of 1/1200 - 1/2000s to freeze the wings and to compensate for the lack of Image Stabilization on the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens. All photos created handheld with Single Point AF or Zone AF. Post-processing was done in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6 and converted from RAW to JPG (minor colour adjustments, noise reduction and lens profile correction). Overcast / low light conditions.

Canon EOS 70D  for Birds In Flight Photography

The Canon EOS 70D is a popular choice for birds in flight photography due to its responsive autofocus system and continuous shooting capabilities. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Autofocus System: The Canon EOS 70D features a 19-point autofocus system, which is effective for tracking fast-moving subjects like birds 1.

2. Continuous Shooting: With a continuous shooting speed of up to 7 frames per second, the EOS 70D can capture multiple frames in quick succession, increasing the chances of getting the perfect shot 1.

3. Lens Pairing: Vernon Chalmers often pairs the EOS 70D with the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens for birds in flight photography. This combination provides a good balance of reach and image quality 1.

4. Manual Mode Settings: For optimal results, it's recommended to use manual mode with fast shutter speeds (e.g., 1/1200 - 1/2000s) to freeze the motion of the birds' wings 1.

5. Post-Processing: Post-processing in software like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom can help enhance the final images by adjusting colors, reducing noise, and correcting lens profiles 1.

For more detailed information and examples of birds in flight photography with the Canon EOS 70D, you can check out Vernon Chalmers' website. (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2025) 

Canon EOS 70D for Birds ib Flight Photography

Canon / SanDisk Equipment (Birds In Flight Photography) 

• Canon EOS 70D SLR camera body 
• Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM telephoto prime lens
• SanDisk 32GB Extreme PLUS 80mb/s SD memory card
• SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO 95mb/s SD memory card

Canon EOS 70D Manual Mode Settings

• Shutter speed: 1/12000 - 1/3200s 
• Aperture: f/5.6 - 8 
• ISO 250-800 
• Focal length 400mm
• No Image Stabilization 
• Autofocus mode (Centre Point or Zone AF)
  
• Continuous shooting mode / AI Servo (up to 7 fps)
• Handheld

Cape Town Birds In Flight Photography Location
Milnerton Lagoon Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

(Click to Enlarge / Slideshow)

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Super Telephoto Prime Lens

Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens: Links to professional / consumer reviews - View

Advantages of the Canon EOS 70D over the EOS 700D for Birds In Flight (own experience only) 

• Dedicated Auto-focus (AF) button on EOS 70D vs none on EOS 700D
• Improved / more adjustable Auto-Focus (19 Points vs 9 Points)
• Improved control button on the Canon EOS 70D 
• Improved battery life with battery charge(r) indicators (+1200 vs +- 650 shots) 
• More frames per second for Birds In Flight (7 fps vs 5 fps) 
• Top LCD and intuitive switch-gear with handy AF selection mode (vs Mode dial) 
• Slightly bigger / brighter viewfinder (pentaprism vs pentamirror / 95% vs 98% coverage) 
• Improved (body) balance with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens 

Article Source © Vernon Chalmers (with Canon EOS 70D / EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens)

Canon EOS 80D Birds in Flight Testing / 1st Impressions Cape Town

Canon EOS 80D Birds in Flight Testing / 1st Impressions Cape Town

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - First Impressions and Test Shoots Cape Town

Canon EOS 7D Mark II - First Impressions and Test Shoots Cape Town

Main Differences between RAW and JPEG File Formats

Differences between RAW and JPEG Image Files

 RAW and JPEG are two common image file formats, but they differ significantly in terms of quality, file size, and flexibility for editing. 

Here are the key differences:

1. Image Quality

• RAW: Contains all the unprocessed data captured by the camera's sensor. This format preserves the maximum possible image quality, including color depth, dynamic range, and detail. It allows for more flexibility in post-processing.
• JPEG: A compressed and processed file format that loses some image data. It reduces the file size by discarding certain details, which may result in reduced image quality, especially after repeated editing.
  
  

2. File Size

• RAW: Much larger files because they retain all the information captured by the camera, often 2-6 times larger than JPGs.
• JPEG: Smaller file sizes due to compression, making them easier to store and share.
  
  

3. Editing Flexibility

• RAW: Offers greater flexibility in editing. You can adjust exposure, white balance, color, and other aspects with minimal quality loss. The data is not compressed, so you have more control over how the image looks in post-processing.
• JPEG: Limited flexibility in editing because some image data is already lost during compression. Adjustments like exposure correction can degrade the image further.
  
  

4. Compression

• RAW: No compression or very minimal lossless compression. This ensures the highest quality image but results in larger files.
• JPEG: Uses lossy compression, which reduces image quality for the sake of smaller file sizes.
  
  

5. Color Depth

• RAW: Typically 12 or 14 bits per channel, allowing for more nuanced color and detail in the image.
• JPEG: 8 bits per channel, which can handle 16.7 million colors but lacks the depth and flexibility of RAW.
  
  

6. Usage

• RAW: Preferred by professional photographers and those who want to retain maximum image quality for detailed post-processing.
• JPEG: Common for casual photography, social media, and situations where storage space or quick sharing is a priority.
  
  

7. Compatibility

• RAW: Proprietary to camera manufacturers, so it requires specific software (e.g., Lightroom, Photoshop) to open and edit.
• JPEG: Universally supported by almost all devices and platforms, making it ideal for general sharing and viewing.

In summary, RAW is ideal for maximum quality and extensive post-processing, while JPEG is more convenient for everyday use due to its smaller size and universal compatibility." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

"The main differences between RAW and JPG (JPEG) formats are:

Compression

• RAW: Uncompressed, retaining all the data captured by the camera sensor.
• JPEG: Compressed, which reduces file size but also discards some data.

Image Quality

• RAW: Higher quality with more detail and a wider dynamic range.
• JPEG: Lower quality due to compression, which can result in loss of detail and dynamic range.

File Size

• RAW: Larger file sizes because they contain all the original image data.
• JPEG: Smaller file sizes, making them easier to store and share.

Editing Flexibility

• RAW: Greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing for significant adjustments to exposure, white balance, and other settings without degrading image quality.
• JPEG: Limited flexibility in editing; significant adjustments can degrade image quality.

Color Accuracy

• RAW: More accurate colors and better color depth.
• JPEG: Less accurate colors due to compression and limited color depth.

Usage

• RAW: Preferred by professional photographers for high-quality prints and extensive editing.
• JPEG: Commonly used for everyday photography, social media, and situations where storage space is a concern 1 2 3."(Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Main Differences Between DPP and Lightroom Classic >>

Image: Copyright Free from Pixabay

Table Mountain Photography

Table Mountain Photography by Vernon Chalmers Photography
 

Table Mountain over  Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island © Vernon Chalmers

Table Mountain, Cape Town Photography

Table Mountain, Cape Town sunrise / sunset captured from over Woodbridge Island, Milnerton beach and Cape Town (Table Bay).

Also image captured of Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront Cape Town.

All images Copyright Vernon Chalmers

All Table Mountain, Cape Town images with:

• Canon EOS 6D / EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Samsung A22 Smartphone (Android 12)
• Canon EOS 6D / EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 6D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens
• Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 10-18mm IS STM lens
• Canon EOS 700D / EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens
• Canon Powershot SX40 HS Compact Camera.

Long exposure photography Table Mountain, Cape Town photos with Manfrotto 190X MK190X3-3W and Manfrotto Compact MKC3-H01 tripods.

Cape Town Photography: Woodbridge Island Bridges / Milnerton Lighthouse

Table Mountain over Milnerton Lighthouse Woodbridge Island

Vernon Chalmers Copyright: Table Mountain Photography, Cape Town
Please do not use / re-publish any Vernon Chalmers Table Mountain, Cape Town Photography images without permission. View the Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright Policy for more more information.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

"Table Mountain is an iconic natural landmark that overlooks the city of Cape Town, South Africa. It's a flat-topped mountain that forms a distinctive part of the city's skyline and is a major tourist attraction. Here are some key points about Table Mountain and its significance to Cape Town:

1. Natural Landmark: Table Mountain is characterized by its level plateau that is approximately three kilometers wide. The plateau is often covered by a layer of clouds known as the "tablecloth," which adds to its mystique.

2. Tourist Attraction: It is a significant draw for tourists visiting Cape Town. Many visitors take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the coastline as it ascends to the summit.

3. Hiking Trails: The mountain offers various hiking trails of different difficulty levels. They provide not only a chance to explore the mountain but also the opportunity to witness diverse flora and fauna that are unique to the region.

4. World Heritage Site: Table Mountain and the Cape Floral Region, which includes the mountain and its surrounding areas, were collectively declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their exceptional biodiversity and distinct plant species.

5. Recreational Activities: Aside from hiking, visitors can engage in activities such as rock climbing, picnicking, and enjoying the stunning views from the top.

6. Cultural Significance: Table Mountain holds cultural significance for the people of Cape Town and South Africa, featuring in local folklore and historical narratives.

7. Conservation Efforts: There are conservation efforts in place to protect the unique ecosystem of the mountain, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The mountain not only serves as a natural recreational area but also as a symbol of Cape Town's beauty and uniqueness. It's a pivotal part of the city's identity and culture, attracting both locals and tourists alike." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

(For Best Viewing Quality -Click to Enlarge)

Before Sunrise: Table Mountain over Milnerton Lagoon

During Sunrise: Table Mountain over Milnerton Lagoon

During Sunrise: Table Mountain over Woodbridge Island Main Bridge

Table Mountain - Long Exposure over Milnerton Beach / Table Bay

Table Mountain Cape Town - From Arnhem Milnerton / Woodbridge Island

Table Mountain Cape Town - From Arnhem Milnerton / Woodbridge Island

Table Mountain Cape Town - From Arnhem Milnerton / Woodbridge Island

Table Mountain Cape Town after Sunset - From Milnerton Beach

Table Mountain - Over Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island

Table Mountain - Over the old Wooden Bridge / Woodbridge Island

Table Mountain over the Table Bay Nature Reserve / Milnerton

Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Table Mountain View From Signal Hill : Canon EOS 6D / 16-35mm Lens

Canon Camera / Photography Training Cape Town

Long Exposure / Night Photography Setup & Tips View

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town

A Morning at Kirstenbosch Garden...

Canon EOS 6D Mark II / Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Anton Smit Sculpture, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town

“When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight.” Michael Bridge

African Lily Flower, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

“Flowers. Every flower goes through stages of budding, opening, closing and wilting. Each of them has a preferred season and environment. They are unique. Like us. Each of us is unique. And like flowers, we each have a preferred season. So why do we expect ourselves to be in bloom all year round?” ― Rebecca Ryder

African Daisy Flower, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town 

The African Daisy, scientifically known as Osteospermum, is a vibrant and colorful flower native to South Africa. It is well-known for its daisy-like appearance, often featuring a central disc surrounded by colorful petals. The petals come in various shades, including purple, pink, white, orange, and yellow, sometimes with contrasting dark centers.

African Daisies thrive in sunny environments and are commonly grown as ornamental plants in gardens or containers. They are part of the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and chrysanthemums. These flowers are relatively easy to care for, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering, but they also appreciate a bit of drought once established. They're popular for their resilience, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

Cape agapanthus (African Lily), Kirstenbosch, Cape Town

The Cape agapanthus (Agapanthus africanus) is a beautiful flowering plant native to the Western Cape of South Africa. It is well-known for its striking blue or white flower clusters that bloom in the summer. The plant is also quite hardy, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance but visually appealing addition to their landscapes. (Source; Microsoft Copilot 2025)

Wild Flowers (African Daisy), Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town

Flower / Small Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Kirstenbosch Garden provided me with another opportunity for experimenting with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II paired with the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens - to be used as my main pairing when visiting Kirstenbosch Garden (across al seasons). We arrived a bit late with the light on the the over-exposed side on the whiter flowers / subjects. 

I am quite confident that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is more than just a subtle full=frame megapixel upgrade on the beloved Canon EOS 6D Mark I have used for close-up, harden and other photography for the past decade. Lens of choice for Kirstenbosch Garden: still the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens for a variety of small subjects.

Photography Conditions: Sunny / No Wind

Camera / Lens for Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Photography (Vernon Chalmers Images)

• Canon EOS 6D Mark II (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens
• Lexar Professional 64GB UHS-I 160MB/S /1066x Speed

Exposure / Focus Settings for Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Flower Photography

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/5.6 and f/11)
• Auto ISO (100)
• Shutter Speeds (Various)
• Image Stabilisation On
• Zone-AF Mode
• Handheld

Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Photography, Image Post-Processing
Lightroom Classic (Ver 14) - Minor Adjustments / RAW to JPEG Conversion

All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography : Vernon Chalmers Copyright Policy

More About Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of the jewels of Cape Town. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it's renowned for its stunning display of native South African flora, and it's part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, bird watcher, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, Kirstenbosch offers an extraordinary setting. There are winding paths through lush gardens, with a variety of plants that showcase the incredible biodiversity of the region. The Boomslang Canopy Walkway is a popular feature, providing breathtaking views of the garden and surrounding mountains.

It’s a great spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and even concerts on summer evenings. The garden also features art installations and a botanical society shop where you can find locally made crafts and books on the region's flora.

What To Do At Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town?

Visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town is a treat! Here are some must-do activities:

• Explore the Gardens: Take leisurely walks through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Don't miss the Boomslang Canopy Walkway for stunning views.

• Picnic: Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the lawns with a backdrop of Table Mountain.

• Concerts and Events: Depending on the season, there are often concerts and events held at Kirstenbosch, which are fantastic for both locals and tourists.

• Botanical Diversity: Marvel at the diverse flora, including indigenous plants and rare species.

• Hiking Trails: If you're up for some light hiking, Kirstenbosch offers trails that lead into the surrounding Table Mountain National Park.

• Birdwatching: The gardens are a haven for birdwatchers, with many species to spot.

• Tea Room and Restaurant: Relax at the tearoom or grab a bite at the restaurant, both offering great views of the gardens. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

African Art & Craft Market - Boulders Beach, Simon's Town

Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II Woodbridge Island, Cape Town

Canon Photography Quick Walkabout Hout Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Kirstenbosch Garden Sculpture Photography Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Landscape Photography Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Town

Vernon Chalmers, Tourist Photography Philadelphia, Cape Town

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch

Minimum Intel Hardware for Lightroom Post-Processing

Minimum Intel Hardware Requirements For Lightroom Image Processing

Boosting Performance of an older Intel / Windows 10 PC

Adobe Lightroom Classic Version 14 : Development Module (Intel Desktop)

Minimum Intel System Specifications for Lightroom Classic Image Processing

I regard the Intel-based hardware specifications I used for post-processing the images in my post
A Morning at Kirstenbosch Garden... in quite a few ways as an entry-level standard for editing / post-processing bulk RAW images when using Adobe Lightroom Classic.

Raw Image Editing / Post-Processing

I generally use an Intel i5 Acer Extensa desktop workstation computer with 16GB DDR4 (Dual-Channel) RAM paired with 2x 24" Samsung LED monitors. Although these are minimum specifications it is still adequate for my personal requirements. The i5 CPU processing / additional VRAM on a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is in my opinion producing quite a substantial performance increase in terms of personal productivity (mainly image processing management / speed and RAW to JPG exporting. Current GPU: Arktek NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 4GB GDDR5 Memory. I don't play any games and find the image processing speed satisfactory when moderately editing a few hundred Canon CR2 / CR3 files in Lightroom Classic Version 14.

Adding a Dedicated GPU for Lightroom Processing

A dedicated GPU will enhance image post-processing performance from any shared Video RAM from the Intel CPU on the motherboard (i.e. Intel UHD Graphics). Most high-performance motherboards will provide an option for a separate PCIe-enabled GPU (with various Analog and / or Digital Video / LED connectivity ports). Before acquiring a high-performance GPU it is important to understand / verify the minimum power consumption requirement(s) for the GPU and the rest of the system components in terms of overall system Power Supply availability. I have achieved satisfactory performance standards with NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPUs over the years - connecting via HDMI (digital) to the primary editing LED and DVI (analogue) LED for Office / other applications.

 Arktek NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti with 4GB of GDDR5 Memory GPU

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti with 4GB VRAM for Lightroom Classic
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti with 4GB of GDDR5 memory is a decent entry-level graphics card that can handle Adobe Lightroom quite well for basic to moderate photo editing tasks. It provides a good balance between performance and affordability, suitable for handling RAW image processing and basic photo adjustments smoothly. However, for heavier tasks or working with very large files or multiple layers, you might find its performance a bit limited compared to more powerful GPUs (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

Rogueware NX100S 256GB SATA3 2.5" 3D NAND Solid State Drive

Upgrading to SSD For Further Performance Boost

I replaced the original Seagate 1TB 3.5" SATA hard drive with a Rogueware NX100S 256GB SATA3 2.5" SSD for faster booting into Windows 10 Professional and general Lightroom processing performance. The original SATA drive now serves as an external drive with the image folders and other documents.

SATA Drive vs. SSD Performance

Comparing SATA drives (HDDs) and SSDs focuses on performance, speed, and efficiency. Here’s how they stack up:

Speed

• SATA HDDs: Use spinning platters and moving read/write heads, with speeds ranging from 80 - 160 MB/s.
• SATA SSDs: Use NAND flash memory, reaching speeds up to 550 MB/s.
• NVMe SSDs (for reference): Far faster, up to 7,000 MB/s.

Boot & Load Times

• SATA HDDs: Slower OS boot times (~30 - 60 sec) and longer game/application loading times.
• SATA SSDs: Faster OS boot (~5 - 15 sec) and significantly reduced loading times.

Durability & Reliability

• SATA HDDs: Prone to mechanical failures due to moving parts.
• SATA SSDs: More durable with no moving parts and better resistance to physical damage.

Power Consumption

• SATA HDDs: Consume more power (4 - 8W) due to spinning disks.
• SATA SSDs: Use less power (2 - 4W), improving battery life in laptops.

Noise & Heat

• SATA HDDs: Produces noise and heat due to mechanical components.
• SATA SSDs: Silent operation with minimal heat output.

Cost & Storage Capacity

• SATA HDDs: Cheaper per GB, commonly available in 1TB - 10TB+ sizes.
• SATA SSDs: More expensive per GB but becoming more affordable, typically 250GB - 4TB.

Longevity (Lifespan)

• SATA HDDs: Mechanical wear over time leads to failures.
• SATA SSDs: Limited write cycles (TBW - Terabytes Written), but generally lasts longer under normal use.

SSDs are superior in speed, durability, efficiency, and reliability. HDDs are still useful for high-capacity, low-cost storage (e.g., backups, archives), while SSDs are better for performance-critical tasks like gaming, OS booting, and professional workloads. (Source: ChatGPT 2025)

Casual Lightroom Processing with Intel Aspire i3 Notebook / Windows 11

Intel Aspire Core i3 Notebook Computer with 20GB DDR4 RAM / 256 SSD

Acer Aspire Notebook Lightroom RAW processing

For casual processing with only a few CR2 / CR3 files I find my Intel Aspire Core i3-1005G1, 15,6" LED, Windows 11 System quite up to the task. With 20GB of (Dual Channel) DDR4 RAM, onboard Intel UHD Graphics and 256GB Western Digital SSD while connected with external mouse / keyboard / 24" LED performs like a 'mini-workstation'. The only caveat is that notebook computer must be plugged into a main power source for best performance - the high-performance battery selection is not a serious option for RAW file processing in Lightroom 14. I generally use it mostly for a few last minute RAW or JPG corrections before online publishing.

There is an additional embedded NVM drive upgrade section in the notebook to expedite to a faster PCIE NVME M.2 SSD (when required). Currently the 500MB and 1TB options are still quite expensive, but it is nevertheless a viable option for consideration to extract more performance out of the Acer Aspire i3 notebook.

Minimum and Recommended Adobe Lightroom System Requirements

Cape Bulbul, Kirstenbosch : Lightroom Classic Version 14 (Intel Aspire Notebook)

Vernon Chalmers Photography Training Intaka Island | Kirstenbosch Garden | Woodbridge Island